Djemba-Djemba facing fine

Eric Djemba-Djemba is facing disciplinary action from Aston Villa having failed to resurface nearly a week after Cameroon’s exit from the African Nations Cup.

The midfielder was supposed to return to Bodymoor Heath on Tuesday but Villa have been unable to contact him.

Villa manager David O’Leary was keen for Djemba-Djemba to be part of his plans for Saturday’s home Premiership clash with Newcastle – especially with Gavin McCann and James Milner unavailable. And the Irishman has warned Djemba-Djemba is facing a hefty fine for his absence.

O’Leary said today: “We were expecting him back last Tuesday but he has not returned.

“We have not been able to get in touch with anyone in the meantime to discover where he is at the present time.

“I cannot speculate on why or what because we have simply not been able to make contact.

“He has a fair chance of his wage packet being lighter at the end of the month!

“Ultimately he could be in breach of his contract but that is something for the club to handle if and when it is necessary.

“We could soon be putting out posters to find out where he is!”

O’Leary revealed that Djemba-Djemba would have been in his squad to face Newcastle because of his seriously depleted squad.

He should have returned to Villa after Cameroon were eliminated from the African Nations Cup by the Ivory Coast six days ago.

The former Manchester United midfielder, however, has been far from happy at Villa this season and has not started a single game this season.